The best way to spend your precious vacation days? Book an overwater villa at some of the world’s most-talked-about islands and prepare yourself for unexpected marine adventures.
From the Indian Ocean to the blue lagoon waters of the South Pacific, overwater villas are all about serenity and comfort in the world’s most wonderful environments. Here are the 15 most stunning luxury overwater villas that guarantee an unforgettable experience.
Four Seasons Resort, Bora Bora
Located on one of the most-talked-about tourist locations, the Four Seasons Resort in Bora Bora provides guests with 5-star luxury, unparalleled views of the Pacific Ocean, and attentive service. The resort offers 100 overwater villas all boasting a lagoon-side location with majestic views over Mount Otemanu. All villas are vast and spacious and the rooms are set just above the crystal clear lagoon. Inspired by local architecture, the villas have the perfect mix of traditional Polynesian details and modern luxury accommodation.
Watch the sunset on the deck furnished with chaise lounges or book a couples massage at the luxurious spa. Whatever you choose, you can be sure it will be pure indulgence.
Baros Maldives Resort
Opened in 1973, Baros Resort is the ultimate all-villa escape in the mesmerizing Maldives. Guests can enjoy their own personal retreat set just above the lagoon where intimacy and tranquility are guaranteed.
Built with natural materials, the villas represent the perfect blend of tropical design and elegance. Comfort is guaranteed as every villa has a 24/7 dedicated host. The bungalows are equipped with four comfortable daybeds set on the wide wooden deck and a beautiful outdoor table setting. Plus, every villa has direct lagoon access.
Book a villa with a private pool and laze your time away or watch a dramatic sunset from your deck; serenity and comfort is what you’ll get at this must-see resort.
Six Senses Laamu, Laamu Atoll, Maldives
It doesn’t get better than this – a luxurious desert located at the heart of the Indian Ocean, reachable only by a boat. Six Senses Laamu is a remote resort in the Maldives that guarantees serenity, comfort, and tranquillity amidst crystal clear waters.
All 97 villas are crafted with sustainable materials and blend perfectly with the beauty of the island. The Ocean Water Villa opens into a private water garden and has direct access to the lagoon. Guests can watch the stars from their deck while soaking in an all-glass bathtub. Those who want to enjoy a panoramic view of the ocean can just climb to the treetop deck where they can contemplate the beautiful colors of the ocean while relaxing on the comfortable daybeds.
All villas are equipped with a flat TV screen, a bose sound system, minibar, king-size bed, and sun lounges. The best way to start the day? Watch the ocean waves while you take a rain shower on your private deck.
Aitutaki Lagoon Resort, Cook Islands
Located on the Cook Islands’ only private island – Motu Akitua Island – the Aitutaki Lagoon Resort captivates guests with its beautiful natural surroundings, breathtaking views over the lagoon, and opulent accommodation.
The 36 overwater bungalows have stylish tropical decor and all feature direct access to the inviting lagoon waters. Offering guests decadent amenities and services, the Aitutaki Lagoon Resort encourages guests to disconnect from the world and experience uninterrupted panoramic views of the jaw-dropping Aitutaki Lagoon. All rooms have a lagoon-front verandah equipped with comfortable sun loungers and a sitting area.
Other comforts include a king-size bed, air-conditioning, wi-fi, pandanus-lined walls, and an energizing open-air shower. For the ultimate relaxation, book aromatherapy massage at the resort’s private spa. Stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and swimming, as well as snorkeling are just some of the outdoor activities available at the Aitutaki Lagoon Resort.
Palafitos at El Dorado Maroma, Riviera Maya, Mexico
Located on one of the world’s top ten beaches, the El Dorado resort offers guests the opportunity to experience the beauty of Maroma Beach in secluded and luxurious overwater villas. It doesn’t come as a surprise that the resort is frequently mentioned in the world’s best collections of overwater bungalows, as the El Dorado resort offers traditional yet contemporary accommodation amidst crystal clear pristine waters.
These bungalows redefine the meaning of luxurious as each features a glass bottom floor, direct access to the ocean, and an indoor whirlpool for two. On top of that, guests can enjoy the mesmerizing views from an expansive private deck equipped with wooden sun loungers. From the deck, one can dip directly into the Caribbean Sea.
Guests can enjoy oceanfront dining at the Overwater Grill where mouthwatering ocean-inspired dishes are served. The morning sunrise is particularly breathtaking at the resort and guests can experience it while taking a dip into the private infinity pool or while showering in the “Aguas del Amour” open-air shower. And on top of everything we’ve mentioned so far, guests are assigned a butler service to ensure they have an unforgettable experience
Misool Eco Resort, Indonesia
Located in an archipelago of uninhabited islands, the Misool Resort provides guests with unparalleled luxury amidst sandy-white beaches and pristine coral reefs. The resort is 100 miles away from the closest port, but getting there is worth the effort as this all-villas resort presents the ultimate escape from the world.
The resort has a capacity for just 40 guests and consists of 7 overwater villas that are at least 10 meters apart from one another, offering privacy and intimacy. All bungalows are crafted with reclaimed tropical hardwoods and built on karst rock formations.
Amenities include air-conditioning, hot tubs, handcrafted furniture, a Balinese-style open-air bathroom, and minibars. The beautiful Villa Vaya Buru is built under an almond tree and offers breathtaking views over the far southern horizon. It features an octagonal-shaped pool surrounded by palm trees where you can relax and marvel at the island’s beauty. The Misool Eco Resort is the ultimate romantic getaway that offers one of the world’s most stunning luxury overwater villas!
Six Senses, Ninh Van Bay, Vietnam
Blissfully remote, Six Senses at Ninh Van Bay is a secluded resort accessible only by boat. The overwater villas offer tropical yet modern accommodation amidst pristine waters. The mesmerizing Rock Pool Villas at the resort are built upon impressive rock formations and offers uninterrupted views of the East Vietnam Sea. These villas are accessed only by a hillside staircase and feature a private pool set into the rocks.
The interior decor is elegant and spacious and each villa has a sleeping and living area, walk-in closet, and a bathroom. All guests get a DEM (Dedicated Experience Maker) which is available to guests 24/7. Relax and spend your day in the sea-facing bathtubs or get a taste of some South-Asian flavors at the resort’s opulent restaurant set high on the cliffside – The Six Senses resort is here to make your holiday extra special.
Song Saa Private Island, Cambodia
Endless ocean views and unforgettable sunsets on a remote private island resort in the Koh Rong archipelago – that’s what the Song Saa resort is all about. Enjoy the ultimate overwater experience at the island’s 24 villas that feature tropical decor, attentive service, and decadent amenities.
All rooms include a king-size bed, twin-vanity bathroom, bose surround sound system, flat TV screen, and a minibar. Soak in the oversized bathtub or take a dip in the private pool; however you choose to start the day you can rest assured it will be true bliss. Every pool features a private deck with comfortable sun loungers and an outdoor shower. Watch the sunset fall behind the horizon at the infinity pool while you drink the resort’s signature Thai basil mojito, and you’ll be grateful that you’ve made the decision to spend your vacation here.
Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas, the Maldives
This stunning resort is located on a secluded island in the Baa Atoll, which has been named a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve for its rare marine life. The 80 villas blend perfectly with the beautiful natural surroundings and offer serenity, comfort, and intimacy.
All bungalows have thatched-roofs filled with decadent amenities such as swinging daybeds, glass-bottom bathtubs, a king-size bed, and overwater hammocks. Some villas feature a private pool that has direct access to the lagoon. The villas are also equipped with a wine fridge and pillow and soap menus, plus guests have a 24/7 dedicated host.
Don’t forget to visit the tropical rooftop bar where you can experience the view from the largest telescope in the Indian ocean. And if this is not enough to fulfill all your wishes, head over to the resort’s underwater restaurant where you can have a taste of the delicious Maldivian cuisine.
Laucala Island, Fiji
The ultimate millionaire’s hideaway, Laucala Island is well-known for its luxurious overwater accommodation. The resort features 25 overwater water villas set just above the ocean.
Each villa is equipped with a private pool, mini bar, flat TV screen, Wi-fi, and outdoor shower.
The resort is well-known for its impeccable service (16 staff members for each villa) so the service is as superb as the island’s setting. The private pools at the resort are frequently listed as some of the best in the world, featuring glass-edged walls so guests can see the surroundings. The Australian star chef Anthony Healy works here, so expect impeccable dining in an elegant plantation-style restaurant.
Bawah Reserve, Indonesia
Book the ultimate romantic getaway at the Bahaw Resort, set deep in the secluded Anambas Archipelago. This well-hidden gem in the heart of Indonesia comprises three blue lagoons, six islands, and 13 powder-white beaches.
All overwater bungalows are surrounded with clear turquoise waters and coral reefs – and each balcony features a staircase with direct access to tropical waters below. All villas are equipped with a king-size bed, minibar, outdoor shower, Wi-fi, and private verandahs. Explore the island with transparent kayaks or go on a hike through the Indonesian jungle, the Bawah Reserve guarantees unforgettable outdoor adventures and a tropical luxurious stay.
Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort, Montego Bay, Jamaica
Located on a private island in Jamaica, the Sandal Royal Caribbean Resort boasts tropical high-end accommodation surrounded by pristine waters. This is the perfect spot to spend your honeymoon as the resort’s 25 bungalows are configured in the shape of a heart.
Each bungalow gets 24-hour butler service and has huge terraces equipped with wooden sun loungers. With see-through glass floors, the resort’s villas create the illusion that you’re floating above the Caribbean waters. All villas are equipped with decadent amenities including floating hammocks, soaking bathtubs for two, king-size beds with soft linens, and outdoor showers. Guests can also book a villa with a private infinity pool overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
The best way to spend the evening is to indulge in a tropical cocktail at the 360-degrees rooftop bar.
Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa, French Polynesia
Tucked between two bays at the mesmerizing island of Moorea, the Hilton Moorea resort offers the perfect setting for a romantic getaway. At this resort, boredom is not an option as the range of outdoor activities keeps guests busy throughout the whole day. From swimming with stingrays, friendly sharks, and dolphins, to snorkeling and 4×4 safari tours, fun and entertainment are guaranteed at the heart-shaped island of Moorea.
Those who want to laze the day away can take a dip at the private plunge pool or spend the day in a marble bathroom overlooking the ocean. Hilton’s overwater villas are equipped with a private terrace, outdoor shower, free Wi-fi, mini bar, flat TV screen, and coffee machines. Bungalow guests also receive 24/7 butler service.
Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives
Located on a luxurious private reserve, Gili Lankanfushi is one of the most luxurious resorts in the Maldives. Feel the ocean’s breeze while you stay in an overwater bungalow equipped with a number of over-the-top amenities. The bungalows are vast and offer uninterpreted views over the Indian Ocean.
Guests can spend the day at an extended sundeck equipped with a dining table, daybed, sun loungers, and a large catamaran net set above the crystal clear waters. To add to the luxury, you can also book a bungalow with a private infinity pool that has direct access to the sparkling turquoise lagoon. The villas are equipped with air conditioning, king-size beds, Wi-Fi, open-air private bathroom, and a separate glass-walled shower. A bamboo bicycle is reserved for every guest so they can explore the beauty of the island on their own.
Vahine Island, Tahiti
Set on the private island of Motu Tu Vahine, the Vahine Island Resort represents the ultimate island fantasy. The resort has only 9 beachfront and overwater bungalows which guarantee serenity, comfort, and intimacy.
The three overwater bungalows are surrounded with a pristine blue lagoon and equipped with excellent amenities. Plus, each bungalow features an aquarium table so guests can have a view of the rare tropical fishes that swim below. The bungalows have a private spacious deck where guests can spend the day on a hammock overlooking the blue lagoon. Don’t forget to book a treatment at the resort’s luxurious spa where you can unwind and relax in an open-air massage room.